WO1999022341A1

WO1999022341A1 - System for the multiple communication of data from information carrying cards provided with a microprocessor and memory or the like

Info

Publication number: WO1999022341A1
Application number: PCT/ES1998/000292
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fermín Jaime LOUREIRO BENIMELI
Original assignee: Loureiro Benimeli Fermin Jaime
Priority date: 1997-10-27
Filing date: 1998-10-27
Publication date: 1999-05-06
Also published as: CA2388068A1; EP0973126A1; JP2001509296A

Abstract

The invention relates to a multiple intercommunication of data from information carrying cards provided with a microprocessor and a memory or the like and comprising a user's interface (1) which has housing means (17) to receive one or a plurality of data and information carrying plates (2), a microprocessor (3) intended to the control and recording of operations carried out from said user's interface, information storage means (4, 5), and alphanumerical key pad (6), a displace screen (7) and a emitter-receiver (8) capable of establishing communications with external devices which manage and control said operations; an external device (9) for managing the operations controlled from said user's interface (1), and which is provided with an emitter-receiver (10) intended to establish communications with the user's interface (1), and an actuation module (11) capable of controlling the electromechanical and/or electronic devices (12) to execute the operations controlled from said user's interface (1); contact means (22; 31) and electric connection means (18) for connection to the main bus (19) and capable of communicating said contact means (22; 31) with the other elements of said user's interface (1); an external data and information medium (34) intended to be housed or placed into a physical element such as a vehicle, valuable object, luggage or the like for its control, location and identification, or to be set in the label or seal of a commercial product for its verification and authentication.

Description

MULTIPLE INTERCOM COMMUNICATION SYSTEM OF DATA CARD DATA CARRIED WITH MICRO PROCESSOR AND MEMORY OR SIMILAR

Description.

The object of the present invention refers, as its title indicates, to a system of multiple intercommunication of data of cards carrying information provided with microprocessor and memory or the like, of the type that are used to perform banking, purchasing operations. sale, identification and other services, as well as other domestic operations, which presents important advantages over the means currently used for this purpose.

Recently, the electronic chip card has been developed, which incorporates a microprocessor and memory inside the card itself to all the elements of the classic card, and which in addition to hindering its duplication, offers the possibility of checking, validation by itself. , information encryption and information memorization. Said electronic chip consists of a plate carrying information and data, which has small dimensions, approximately 0.5 cm x 0.5 cm, thus acting as the physical support of the chip itself in order to make it manageable on the part of the user, said card being limited to incorporating some type of script, hologram or similar, or other type of graphic control, such as the user's signature or the like. However, at present, although the characteristics of the cards, such as card dimensions, dimensions and contacts of the electronic chip incorporated therein, etc. have been standardized, each service requires the use of a specifically designed card, forcing the user to carry a large number of cards if they wish to use the set of services currently offered, which cover from commercial and / or economic transactions up to telephone collection operations, public transport, etc. This problem becomes much more pronounced as each bank offers its own card for the use of its own services, not being valid or resulting in very expensive use in other banks. In order to integrate the set of information carrying cards provided with microprocessor and memory or the like in a single system or device, the multiple intercom system for data carrying information cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like has been developed, object of the present invention, which facilitates the use of the services offered by said cards.

The present invention relates to a system for multiple intercommunication of data of information carrier cards provided with microprocessor and memory or the like, consisting of: - a user interface, preferably consisting of a remote control that has housing means of one or more information and data carrier plates of said cards, a printed circuit suitable for contacting said plates in order to read the information contained in said cards, a microprocessor suitable for the control, command and recording of operations carried out from said user interface, information storage means such as, preferably, a first read and write memory, suitable for recording and reading data, and a second reading memory, preferably an EPROM memory, an alphanumeric keypad suitable for allowing access to information as well as for the management of said boards, a screen of vi sualización apt for the presentation of the information relative to the operations that are realized, and a transmitter-receiver device, preferably of infrared rays, apt to establish the communications with external devices that manage said operations; - an external device for the management of operations commanded from said user interface, which has a transmitter-receiver device, suitable for establishing communications with the user interface, and an actuation module suitable for commanding electromechanical devices and / or electronic to execute the operations commanded from said user interface. contact means (22; 31) such as a printed circuit suitable for contacting said plates, as well as electrical connection means (18) with the main bus (19), suitable for communicating said contact means (22; 31 ) with the other elements of said user interface (1), said collection means being able to be incorporated into the user interface itself (1) or be constituted by means of an external reader medium (24) capable of communicating with said user interface (1) through a communications port (23) arranged for this purpose; an external information and data support (34) provided with a microchip (35), said external information and data support (34) being able to be placed or housed in a physical element such as a vehicle, valuables, luggage or similar, for its control, location and identification, or placed on the label or seal of a commercial product, for verification and authentication. More specifically, the user interface has a housing made of a resistant material, preferably light, such as plastic or any other similar, of suitable dimensions to be carried in a pocket, wallet or the like, and which has opening means to accommodate of one or more information and data carrier plates of cards provided with microprocessor and memory or the like, preferably constituted by a flip cover located on its back, with fixing means such that in the closed position of said opening means, allow secure fixing, preferably under pressure, of said plates. In this way the location, distribution and replacement or replacement of said plates can be carried out in a simple way by the user, thus allowing the user access to the set of information and data carrier plates with the simple opening of said opening means .

Said means for housing the information and data carrier plates preferably consist of a set of compartments with electrical connection means to said printed circuit suitable for making contact with said plates in order to read the information contained in said plates. The connection, reading of the information and communication with the set of information and data carrier plates is carried out from a microprocessor arranged in the user interface through said printed circuit. Said microprocessor also performs the operations of control, command and recording of the operations performed from said user interface.

Said microprocessor disposed in the user interface can optionally automatically recognize each of the information and data carrier plates located in the housing means of said plates, as well as identify the position of each of said plates, performing a survey of recognition. This allows the user to disregard the specific accommodation position of each of the information and data carrier plates, while it is the user interface itself, through its microprocessor, that probes and identifies each of the plates arranged in the user interface.

The operations of the microprocessor are complemented with a first read and write memory, suitable for recording and reading data, and a second reading memory, preferably an EPROM memory, arranged in the user interface. In said reading memory each of the communication protocols corresponding to each of the information and data carrier plates housed in the corresponding coupling means of the user interface are stored. Likewise, said memory may contain several protocols intended for communication with other boards not currently available in the user interface, either because the user does not have the corresponding board, either because he does not want to use said services, etc. ., but intended for future use, as well as for non-individualized standard manufacturing.

In this way, said microprocessor and memories contained in said user interface are intended to perform the functions of management, classification, identification and storage of the information related to the operations carried out in accordance with the criteria established in the programming of the microprocessor. Likewise, said user interface has means for configuring and reconfiguring the user interface itself, as well as for adapting, replacing, replacing or eliminating said information and data carrier plates.

The set of electronic elements of the user interface of the data intercom system of information carrier cards are powered by a power source preferably consisting of a set of rechargeable batteries. Likewise, an internal security power system can be available, which prevents data loss, deconfiguration of the user interface, etc. as a result of the depletion of the main power system.

Optionally, the user interface can integrate its electronic elements into a single configurable printed circuit capable of integrating also into said circuit the embodiments of said carrier plates of information and data

The user interface also has means of communication with the user, preferably consisting of an input device, preferably an alphanumeric keypad arranged on the front face of the user interface, suitable for allowing access to information as well as for the management of said plates, and in an output device, preferably a display screen, suitable for presenting information related to the operations that are performed. In this way, the user directs and manages the operations to be carried out by means of the multiple intercom system of data of cards carrying information provided with microprocessor and memory or the like, object of the present invention, by means of the use of the alphanumeric keyboard, which allows it the selection of a service determined by the selection of the corresponding license plate, the access control to said service by clicking on your personal key or the corresponding identification code, and other checking or control operations as information on the last operations carried out, balances in credit accounts, electronic wallet or similar, as well as access to databases of different contents (phone book, electronic agenda, etc.). Likewise, both the status and result of the operations carried out or to be carried out, as well as the information required, or, in general, information related to the operations carried out through the alphanumeric keypad, can be displayed on the display screen, which it can be, for example, a multi-line liquid crystal display.

In this way, said permanent storage means of the

The user interface has addressable storage space for the location of a personal database, suitable for storing data related to the system itself, to the user or other type of data that is to be incorporated into said database. Likewise, said user interface comprises protection means preferably consisting of permanent storage means, such as, preferably, an EPROM memory, for the registration and storage of personal access keys suitable for restricting the use of the user interface at different levels. , such as, preferably, global access, restricted access, or restricted operation to the user. In this way, it establish a set of security measures that enable the user to perform the corresponding operations that restrict the use of said interface at different levels, thereby avoiding unauthorized use by third parties, due to loss or subtraction of the user interface. user. Within this set of security and access restriction measures, an individual and exclusive identification number of the user interface can be optionally available, for which it has storage means for said identification number or key Individual and exclusive. The security and access control measures are effectively complemented by a set of means for detecting error, alarm or similar states, capable of detecting anomalous situations due to incorrect, inappropriate, unauthorized or similar use, as well as blocking means of one, several or all operations manageable from the user interface as a result of the activation of said means for detecting error, alarm or similar states.

Likewise, the multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, has an external device for the management of operations commanded from said user interface, with the object of, on the one hand , communicate bi-directionally with said user interface, and, on the other, activate the electromechanical and / or electronic elements of the device itself that offers the corresponding service, such as an ATM, a telephone charging system, a public service canceling system, or similar, which currently have an appropriate card driver. In this way, said external device for the management of the operations commanded from said user interface acts as an interface between the device that offers the service to the user, and the user interface, from which the appropriate orders for the realization are generated. of the corresponding operations.

In order to allow the establishment of a two-way communication between the user interface and said external device for the management of the operations commanded from said user interface, both elements of the multiple intercom system of carrier card data of information provided with microprocessor and memory or similar, object of the present invention, they have a transmitter-receiver device, suitable for the exchange of information between both devices, such as, among others, sending and receiving data, sending and receiving control commands, checking and supervision, etc. The emitter-receiver device arranged in the user interface as well as in said external device for the management of the operations commanded from said user interface, can be a transmitter-receiver device by infrared rays, radio frequency signal, ultrasound, etc.

From the communication between the user interface and the external device for the management of the operations commanded from said user interface, which, as a result of the orders received from said user interface, activates the electromechanical and / or electronic elements thereof device that offers the corresponding service, such as an ATM, a telephone charging system, a public service canceling system, or the like, allows to deduce compatibility between the systems currently used and the system object of the present invention, by to be able to coexist in the same device that offers a service, the current card controller, and the external device object of the present invention.

In this way, the system of multiple intercommunication of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, is adapted to obtain general, banking or similar information related to account movements, balances and any other operation as well as other information available in databases of operational centers, as well as for the payment and receipt of securities with any of the systems available for performing said operations.

Finally, the system of multiple intercommunication of data of cards carrying information provided with microprocessor and memory or the like, object of the present invention, has a set of elements suitable for communicating with other external devices. In this way, the sender-receiver device itself arranged in the user interface enables its communication with a set of devices or information stations arranged for this purpose, equipped for communication with the user interface itself. Also, the multiple card data intercom system Information carriers equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, object of the present invention, is adapted for remote communication with external devices. In this way, the user interface can optionally have a modem connection interface, capable of allowing remote connection and communication between said user interface and a computer, allowing two-way data dump between both devices, which allows the user to control and supervise the set of operations carried out or incorporate them into a database, the management of the user interface from the computer, as well as configuration, checking or similar operations of the Own user interface by using the appropriate tools provided on the computer. In this way, the user interface itself allows it to dump data from it to a computer, from which, with the tools of analysis and database management available in the market, you can, in a convenient, fast way and simple, analyze the set of operations performed.

The means of connection to a modem and to a computer described above, also allow the use of the multiple intercom system of data carrying information cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, object of the present invention the performance of purchase-sale operations , access to databases, etc. through a computer and computer networks, local or universal, such as, preferably, the Internet. Access to this type of local or universal networks allows the user both access to the information available in them and the use of the services offered therein, using the user interface itself as a means of payment.

Likewise, the user interface of the multiple data intercom system of information carriers equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, object of the present invention, has an interface for connecting to an external reader, capable of allowing bidirectional communication. between both, as well as the access from said reader to both the information contained in said information and data carrier plates, and in said internal storage means of the user interface itself. From said external reader, check, verification and / or configuration operations of the user interface itself can be performed. Said connection interface may be the physically connection interface with the modem described. previously, although the corresponding controller will be used in each case. Likewise, the multiple intercom system of data of information and data carrier cards object of the present invention can be provided with a device for the identification, control, location and authentication of physical elements such as vehicles, devaluation objects, luggage and the like. . This device is constituted by a said information and data reader arranged in the user interface and one or more external plates carrying information and data that host microchips containing a predetermined information. The transmission of the information contained in said microchip to the information and data reader means provided in the user interface of the system object of the present invention may be carried out with physical contact between the two or without physical contact. For this, the reader means has means for coupling to the information and data carrier plate, means for activating / deactivating reading, control means, command and synchronization of communications with the user interface by means of the corresponding communications protocol , as well as means of communication with said user interface.

Communication between the user interface and the reading medium can be established by any conventional transmission means such as cable transmission, radio transmission or optical transmission. Correspondingly, the communications port of the user interface will have the appropriate receiving / transmitting means.

Optionally, the reading medium may additionally have its own temporary storage means as well as data validation means.

Advantageously, said external information and data carrier support incorporates a microchip of the type used in smart cards. As regards the dimensions of the physical support, instead of being a plastic card, it will be placed on a different support such as a rigid fabric label or any rigid material that functions as a label or element of identification, control, authentication or location.

The microchip is a silicon microprocessor with asynchronous communication, which will be a non-duplicable and unique piece, which prevents it from being copied. The operating system or chip mask It supports a system that can make communication with the device's reading device totally secure and therefore prevents fraud not only in the tag (chip), but also prevents it in the reader.

The reading medium must be a device specially developed for this application, first of all to prevent it from being easily obtained by those who attempt fraud. Secondly, it must be a specially secured device for these chips at the electronic level. The reading medium must be designed so that it can perform its function through physical contact or without physical contact with the external information and data support attached to a physical element such as a label, seal or the like. It must also be economically viable to facilitate its wide distribution.

Thus, the following applications are offered to consumers and manufacturers: a) means of authenticating the products, thus making it difficult to carry out replicas or imitations of products identified by a brand as a quality mark, while the technology currently developed in In relation to the electronic chip currently incorporated in the credit cards, it allows the use of a microprocessor and memory within the electronic chip itself, which, in addition to hindering its duplication, offers the possibility of checking, validating, encrypting information on its own. and information memorization. In this way, in addition to offering the means of authentication described, it is possible to include additional information related to the product, such as size, composition, price, place of origin, etc. that the user can easily display on the display screen itself incorporated in the user interface; b) means of identification and location of physical elements such as vehicles, valuables, luggage and the like; c) means of verifying the authenticity of banknotes, checks and any other bank document. In order to better understand the object of the present invention, a preferred practical embodiment of the multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards provided with microprocessor and memory or the like is described below, based on the attached figures, where it is shown: Figure 1 schematically shows a block diagram of the Multiple intercom system for information card carrier data object of the present invention.

Figures 2a and 2b show, respectively, a front view and a side view of the user interface that is part of the multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards object of the present invention.

Figures 3a and 3b show, respectively, the accommodation means of the information and data carrier plates as well as the means for connecting them with the circuitry of the user interface, and an internal view of said user interface once located the corresponding plates. Figure 4 schematically shows a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards object of the present invention incorporating coupling means for establishing communication with an external device.

Figure 5 shows a front view of the user interface that is part of the embodiment of the system shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6 schematically shows a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards object of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a front view of the user interface that is part of the practical embodiment of the multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards shown in Figure 6.

Figure 8 shows an external information and data medium in which a microchip is housed, in the form of a label to be attached to a commercial product whose authenticity we want to check and which contains predetermined data

As shown in Figure 1, the multiple intercom system of data of information carrier cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, consisting of: a user interface (1), preferably consisting of a remote control distance that has means of accommodation of one or more plates (2) carrying information and data of said cards, a printed circuit suitable for making contact with said plates, shown in the figure as the set of electrical connections, in order to read the information contained in said plates, a microprocessor (3) suitable for the control, command and recording of the operations carried out from said user interface (1), information storage means (4, 5) such as, preferably, a first reading memory and writing (4), suitable for recording and reading data, and a second reading memory (5), preferably an EPROM memory, an alphanumeric keypad (6) suitable for allowing access to information as well as for managing said data plates (2), a display screen (7) suitable for presenting information regarding the operations that are carried out, and a transmitter-receiver device (8), preferably infrared rays, suitable for establishing communications with external devices that manage these operations; an external device (9) for managing the operations commanded from said user interface (1), which has a sending-receiving device (10), suitable for establishing communications with the user interface (1), and a drive module (11) capable of commanding the electromechanical and / or electronic devices (12) to execute the operations commanded from said user interface (1).

More specifically, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the user interface (1) has a housing (15) made of a resistant material, preferably light, such as plastic or any other similar, of suitable dimensions to be cover in a pocket, wallet or the like, the preferred dimensions of said user interface (1) being close to the dimensions represented in real scale in Figures 2a and 2b. Likewise, it has opening means to accommodate one or more information and data carrier plates of microprocessor and memory cards or the like, preferably constituted by a flip cover (16) located at its rear, with fixing means such that in the closed position of said opening means, it allows the secure fixing, preferably under pressure, of said plates (2). In this way the location, distribution and replacement or replacement of said plates (2) can be carried out in a simple way by the user, thus allowing the user to access the set of plates (2) carrying information and data with the simple opening of said opening means.

Figure 3a shows said housing means of the plates (2) carrying information and data, preferably consisting of a con- together with compartments (17) with electrical connection means to said printed circuit suitable for making contact with said plates (2) in order to read the information contained in said plates (2). In the present practical embodiment, 16 compartments suitable for housing as many plates are shown. However, it is clear that a user interface with a different number of compartments can be configured. The connection, reading of the information and communication with the set of plates (2) carrying information and data is carried out from a microprocessor (3) arranged in the user interface (1) through said printed circuit. Said microprocessor (3) also performs the operations of control, command and recording of the operations performed from said user interface (1).

Figure 3b represents the user interface (1) with the corresponding plates (2) housed in the compartments (17) shown in Figure 3a. The microprocessor (3) provided in the user interface (1) can optionally automatically recognize each of the information and data carrier plates (2) located in the housing means of said plates, as well as identify the position of each one of said plates (2), performing a survey of recognition. The operations of the microprocessor (3) are complemented by a first read and write memory (4), suitable for recording and reading data, and a second reading memory (5), preferably an EPROM memory, arranged in the user interface. user (1). In said reading memory (5) each of the communication protocols corresponding to each of the information and data-bearing plates (2) housed in the corresponding coupling means of the user interface are stored. Also, said memory (5) may contain several protocols intended for communication with other boards not currently available in the user interface (1), either because the user does not have the corresponding board (2), or because he does not want the use of such services, etc., but intended for future use, as well as for non-individualized standard manufacturing.

The set of electronic elements of the user interface of the data intercom system of information carrier cards are powered by a power supply, not shown in the figures, preferably consisting of a set of rechargeable batteries. Likewise, an internal security power system can be provided, which prevents data loss, deconfiguration of the user interface (1), etc. as a result of the depletion of the main power system.

The user interface also has means of communication with the user, preferably consisting of an input device, preferably an alphanumeric keypad (6) disposed on the front face of the user interface, suitable for allowing access to the information as well as for the management of said plates, and in an output device, preferably a display screen (7), suitable for the presentation of information relating to the operations performed. Figure 2a shows an example of the realization of the alphanumeric keyboard with on and off keys, information key, card selection key, cancel key, emission key, and alphanumeric keypad for the use of the user interface (1) . In this way, the user directs and manages the operations to be carried out by means of the multiple intercom system of data of cards carrying information provided with microprocessor and memory or the like, object of the present invention, by using the alphanumeric keyboard (6), which allows you to select a specific service by selecting the corresponding board (2), controlling access to that service by clicking on your personal key or the corresponding identification code, and other checking or control operations such as information of the last operations carried out, balances in credit accounts, electronic wallet or similar, as well as access to databases of different contents (phone book, electronic agenda, etc.). Likewise, both the status and result of the operations carried out or to be performed, as well as the required information, or, in general, information related to the operations carried out through the alphanumeric keyboard, can be displayed on the display screen (7), which can be, for example, a multi-line liquid crystal display.

Thus, said permanent storage means (4) of the user interface have addressable storage space for the location of a personal database, suitable for storing data relating to the system itself, to the user or other type of data that it is desired to incorporate into said database. Likewise, said user interface comprises protection means preferably consisting of permanent storage means, such as, preferably, an EPROM memory (5), for the registration and storage of personal access keys suitable for restricting the use of the user interface. at different levels, such as, preferably, global access, restricted access, or restricted operation to the user. In this way, a set of security measures are established that enable the user to perform the corresponding operations that restrict the use of said interface at different levels, thereby avoiding unauthorized use by third parties, due to loss or subtraction of the user interface (1).

Within this set of security and access restriction measures, an individual and unique identification number of the user interface (1) can be optionally available, for which it has storage means of said number or Individual and exclusive identification key.

Likewise, the multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, has an external device (9) for the management of the operations commanded from said user interface (1), with the object of, on the one hand, to communicate bidirectionally with said user interface (1), and, on the other, to activate the electromechanical and / or electronic elements (12) of the device itself that offers the corresponding service, such as an ATM, a system telephone charging, a public service canceling system, or the like, which currently have an appropriate card controller. In order to allow the establishment of a two-way communication between the user interface (1) and said external device (9) for the management of the operations commanded from said user interface (1), both elements of the system Multiple data intercom of information-bearing cards provided with microprocessor and memory or the like, object of the present invention, have a transmitter-receiver device (8, 10).

The transmitter-receiver devices (8, 10) arranged in the user interface (1) as well as in said external device (9) for the management of the operations commanded from said user interface (1), are preferred- Mind infrared emitter-receiver devices, although they can use any other type of signal such as radio frequency, ultrasound, etc.

Finally, the multiple intercom system of data of information-carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, object of the present invention, has a set of elements suitable for communicating with other external devices Thus, the device itself Transmitter-receiver (8) provided in the user interface (1) enables communication with a set of devices or information stations arranged for this purpose, equipped for communication with the user interface itself (1)

Likewise, the multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, object of the present invention, is adapted for remote communication with external devices In this sense, the user interface (1) has of a modem connection interface (13), suitable to allow remote connection and communication between said user interface (1) and a computer (not shown in the figures), allowing two-way data dump between both devices, which allows the user to control and supervise the set of operations performed or incorporate them into a database, the management of the user interface from the computer, as well as configuration, checking or similar operations of the user interface itself. user by using the appropriate tools provided on the computer In this way, the user interface itself allows you You will be able to dump the data from it to a computer, from which, with the analysis and database management tools available in the market, you can, conveniently, quickly and easily, analyze the set of operations made

The means of connection to a modem (13) and to a computer described above, also allow the use of the multiple intercom system of data carrying information cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, object of the present invention to carry out operations of buying and selling, access to databases, etc. through a computer and computer networks, local or universal, such as, preferably, Internet Access to this type of local or universal networks allows the user both access to the information in them available as the use of the services offered therein, using the user interface itself as a means of payment (1)

The user interface (1) of the multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards provided with microprocessor and memory or the like, presented in the described practical embodiment, has an external reader connection interface (14), suitable for allow two-way communication between the two, as well as access from said reader to both the information contained in said information and data carrier plates, and in said internal storage means of the user interface itself From said external reader, operations of check, verification and / or configuration of the user interface itself

Said connection interface (14) can be the physically same connection interface with the modem (13) described above, although in the present practical embodiment it is represented as two physically independent elements. In any case, the corresponding controller will be available for use in each case.

Referring now to Figures 4-7, it is represented in Figure 4, an alternative embodiment of the multiple data intercom system of information-carrying cards provided with microprocessor and memory or the like, consists of. a user interface (1), preferably consisting of a remote control that has means for housing one or more plates (2) carrying information and data on said cards, a printed circuit suitable for contacting said plates, shown in the figure as the set of electrical connections, in order to read the information contained in said plates, a microprocessor (3) suitable for the control, command and recording of the operations performed from said user interface (1), means of storage of information (4, 5) such as, preferably, a first read and write memory (4), suitable for recording and reading data, and a second reading memory (5), preferably an EPROM memory, a keyboard alphanumeric (6) suitable to allow access to information as well as for the management of said plates (2), a display screen (7) suitable for presenting information related to operations nes that are carried out, and a transmitter-receiver device (8), capable of establishing communications with external devices that manage said operations, an external device (9) for managing the operations commanded from said user interface (1), which has a sending-receiving device (10), suitable for establishing communications with the user interface (1), and a drive module (11) suitable to command the electromechanical and / or electronic devices (12) to execute the operations commanded from said user interface (1); coupling means (17) of an electronic chip or external information and data carrier plate, suitable for reading the information contained in said external plate through said user interface (1), comprising a printed circuit suitable for make contact with said plates, represented in the figure by means of the electrical connection (18) with the main bus (19), suitable for communicating with the other elements of the user interface (1).

The system of multiple intercom of data of cards carrying information equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar is adapted for remote communication with external devices. In this sense, the user interface (1) has a modem connection interface (13), capable of allowing remote connection and communication between said user interface (1) and a computer (not shown in the figures). ), allowing bi-directional data dump between both devices.

The user interface (1) of the multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, has an interface for connecting to an external reader (14), capable of allowing two-way communication between the two, as well as access from said reader to both the information contained in said information and data carrier plates, and in said internal storage means of the user interface itself. From said external reader, check, verification and / or configuration operations of the user interface itself can be performed.

As shown in Figure 5, the user interface (1) has a housing (15) made of a resistant material, preferably light, such as plastic or any other similar, of suitable dimensions to be carried in a pocket , portfolio or similar, the preferred dimensions of said user interface (1) being close to the dimensions represented in real scale in Figure 5. In a lower extension of the housing (15) the coupling means (17) constituted in the present practical embodiment are arranged by a groove (20) than by the upper face of the housing (15) It has an opening (21) suitable for coupling to an external electronic chip through the electrical contacts (22) arranged inside.

Optionally, said opening may comprise removable protection means (not shown in the figures) such as a small flange or the like, in order to adequately protect the electrical contacts (22) disposed in said opening from dirt and other external agents ( twenty-one ).

Figures 6 and 7 show another exemplary embodiment of the multiple intercom system of data of information carrier cards provided with microprocessor and memory or the like, object of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the coupling means consist of a communications port (23) suitable for connecting to an external reader means (24), said communications port (23) having means of connection to said circuit printed incorporated in said user interface, represented in figure 6 by means of the electrical connection (18) with the main bus (19), capable of communicating internally with the other elements of the user interface (1).

Said external reader means (24) preferably consists of a reader device of the information and data carrier plate supported on a support element such as a tag or the like, having coupling means (25) suitable for coupling to an external electronic chip to through the electrical contacts arranged for this purpose. It also has control, command and synchronization means for communications with the user interface (1) by means of the corresponding communications protocol, for communication means (26) with said user interface (1), as well as for the circuitry electronics (27) necessary to transform the information read from the external electronic chip through the external reader medium (24) into a signal

(28) which is transmitted to the communications port (23) of the user interface (1) by means of said corresponding communication means (26).

Optionally, the electronic circuitry (27) of the reader medium (24) may additionally have its own temporary storage means (27a) as well as means of data validation (27b).

As shown in Figure 7, in the present practical embodiment the external reader means (24) consists of a device comprised in a substantially cylindrical or flat elongated housing (29), which disposes at its media end of coupling (25) consisting of the present practical embodiment in an opening (30) preferably opened by its middle plane, suitable for coupling to an external electronic chip through the electrical contacts (31) arranged for this purpose. Likewise, the external reader medium (24) has means for activating / deactivating reading (32). Finally, said external reader means (24) has communication means (26) with said user interface (1), which in the present practical embodiment consist of an electric cable (33) which at its other end is connected to the communications port (23) of the user interface (1). The electrical cable (33) is connected to the user interface (1) by means of a suitable connector, preferably not permanently connected to the user interface. Naturally, communication between the user interface (1) and the external reader medium (24) can be established by any conventional transmission means such as cable transmission, radio transmission or optical transmission. Correspondingly, both the electronic circuitry (27) of the external reader medium (24) and the communications port (23) of the user interface (1) will have the signal converting means as well as the appropriate receiver / transmitter means.

Referring now to Figure 8, it is noted that, advantageously, said external information and data carrier (34) can incorporate a microchip (35) of the type used in smart cards. Said microchip must cover all the specifications of the ISO 7816 standard for chip cards, except for the dimensions of the physical support, that is, instead of being placed on a plastic card, it will be placed on a different support ( 36) such as a rigid fabric tag or any rigid material that functions as a label.

The microchip (35) is a silicon microprocessor with asynchronous communication, which will be an induplicable and unique piece, which prevents it from being copied. The operating system or mask of the chip supports an encryption system called (DES) that can make communication with the device reading it completely secure and therefore avoids fraud not only in the tag (chip), but also avoids it in the reader.

Once the nature of the present invention has been sufficiently described, as well as a way of putting it into practice, it only remains to be added that as a whole and its component parts it is possible to introduce changes in form, materials and arrangement, as long as said alterations do not substantially vary the characteristics of the invention claimed below.

Claims

1.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, of the type used for banking, buying and selling, identification and other services, as well as other operations of domestic character, characterized in that it consists of: a user interface (1), preferably consisting of a remote control that has means for housing one or more plates (2) carrying information and data on said cards, a suitable printed circuit to make contact with said plates in order to read the information contained in said plates, a microprocessor (3) suitable for the control, command and recording of the operations performed from said user interface (1), information storage means ( 4, 5) such as, preferably, a first read and write memory (4), suitable for recording and reading data, and a second one Reading memory (5), preferably an EPROM memory, an alphanumeric keypad (6) suitable to allow access to information as well as for the management of said plates (2), a display screen (7) suitable for presenting the information related to the operations that are carried out, and a transmitter-receiver device (8), preferably of infrared rays, suitable for establishing communications with external devices that manage said operations; an external device (9) for managing the operations commanded from said user interface (1), which has a sending-receiving device (10), suitable for establishing communications with the user interface (1), and a drive module (11) capable of commanding the electromechanical and / or electronic devices (12) to execute the operations commanded from said user interface (1), and optionally, coupling means of an electronic chip or information carrier plate and external data, suitable for reading the information contained in said external plate through said user interface (1), which have contact means (22; 31) such as a printed circuit suitable for contacting said plates , as well as electrical connection means (18) with the main bus (19), suitable for communicating said contact means (22; 31) with the other elements of the user interface (1).

2. Multiple data intercom system of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transmitter-receiver device (10) is an infrared-ray transmitter-receiver device.

3.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said microprocessor (3) and memories (4, 5) contained in said user interface (1 ), are intended to perform the functions of management, classification, identification and storage of information related to operations carried out in accordance with the criteria established in the microprocessor programming (3).

4. Multiple data intercom system of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface (1) comprises protection means preferably consisting of storage media (5) permanent, such as, preferably, an EPROM memory, for the registration and storage of personal access codes suitable for restricting the use of the user interface at different levels, such as, preferably, global access, restricted access, or restricted operation to user.

5. Multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface (1) comprises storage means of an individual identification number and exclusive of said user interface.

6. Multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface has means for configuring and reconfiguring said user interface, as well as for the adaptation, replacement, replacement or elimination of said plates (2) carrying information and data.

7. Multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is adapted for remote communication with external devices.

8. Multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface (1) has a modem connection interface (13) , suitable to allow remote connection and communication between said user interface (1) and a computer, allowing two-way data dump between both devices.

9. Multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface (1) has an interface for connection to an external reader (14) , suitable to allow bidirectional communication between the two, as well as access from said reader to both the information contained in said information and data-bearing boards (2), and in said internal storage means (4, 5) of the interface itself of user (1).

10.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is adapted to obtain general, banking or similar information, related to account movements, balances and any other operation as well as other information available in databases of operating centers, as well as for the payment and receipt of securities with any of the systems available for performing said operations.

11.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface (1) is adapted to perform the purchase-sale operations, access to databases, etc. through a computer and computer networks, local or universal, such as, preferably, the Internet.

12.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface (1) is adapted to perform telephone charging operations through the Telephone operating systems available.

13.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to The preceding claims, characterized in that the permanent storage means (4, 5) of the user interface (1) have addressable storage space for the location of a personal database, suitable for storing data relating to the system itself, at user or other type of data that you want to incorporate into said database.

14.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or the like, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for detecting error, alarm or similar states, suitable for detecting anomalous situations. due to improper, inappropriate, unauthorized or similar use, as well as means for blocking one, several or all operations manageable from the user interface (1) as a result of the activation of said error state detection means , alarm or similar.

15.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interface (1) integrates its electronic elements in a single configurable printed circuit suitable for integrating in said circuit the embodiments of said information and data carrier plates.

16.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrier cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the first claim, characterized in that said coupling means (17) are incorporated in the structure of the housing (15) of the user interface (1), consisting of a slot (20) that has an opening (21) on the upper face of said housing (21) suitable for coupling to an external electronic chip through the electrical contacts (22) arranged inside.

17.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to claim 16, characterized in that said opening (21) has removable protection means such as a small tab or similar, suitable to protect electrical contacts (22) from dirt and other external agents.

18.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to claim 16, characterized in that said coupling means consist of a communications port (23) suitable for connecting to an external reader medium (24), suitable for coupling to an external information and data carrier plate supported on a support element such as a label or the like, said external reader means (24) having coupling means (25) suitable for coupling to said electronic chip or external board through electrical contacts (31), as well as control, command and control means synchronization of communications with the user interface (1) by means of the corresponding communications protocol, of means of communication (26) with said user interface (1), and of electronic circuitry (27) capable of transforming the information read from the chip external electronic via the external reader medium (24) in a signal (28) that is transmitted to the communications port (23) of the user interface (1) by means of di the corresponding media (26).

19. Multiple data intercom system of information carrier cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to claim 18, characterized in that the electronic circuitry (27) of the reader medium (24) can additionally have its own storage means temporal (27a) as well as data validation means (27b).

20. Multiple data intercom system of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to claims 18 and 19, characterized in that said external reader means (24) consists of a device comprised in a housing (29) with a substantially cylindrical or flat elongated shape, which has at its end coupling means (25) consisting of an opening (30) preferably opened by its middle plane, suitable for coupling to an external electronic chip through said electrical contacts (31 ), also having means for activating / deactivating reading (32).

21.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the external information and data support can be placed in a physical element such as vehicle, object of value, luggage or similar for the purpose of control and location, carrying out the transmission of information and data between the reading medium and the support external information and data through the global positioning system (GPS) or similar.

22.- Multiple intercom system of data of information carrying cards equipped with microprocessor and memory or similar characterized in that said external information and data support can be placed in a commercial control label or element for the purpose of checking and authenticating brands and characteristics of commercial products, being able to carry out the transmission of information between the chip contained in said external information and data support and said reading medium establishing a physical contact between them or without any physical contact.